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QuizTraffic rulesNew Zealand

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
New Zealand
True/false 17 New Zealand 28 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 595
What may happen if you release the clutch too quickly when moving off?

51. What may happen if you release the clutch too quickly when moving off?

The steering may lock.
The headlights may switch off.
The parking brake may engage.
✓ The engine may stall.

Releasing the clutch pedal too quickly when moving off can cause the engine to stall. Release the clutch smoothly through the biting point while applying the accelerator progressively.

Clutch release and engine stalling when moving off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can main-beam headlights make driving in fog more difficult?

52. Why can main-beam headlights make driving in fog more difficult?

The brighter light makes the windscreen mist more quickly.
✓ The light can reflect off fog droplets and reduce visibility.
The stronger beam uses too much electrical power.
Main beam reduces the effectiveness of the fog lights.

Main beam can reflect back from fog and create glare, making it harder to see the road ahead.

Headlight glare reflected by fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in New Zealand?

53. How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in New Zealand?

Handheld.
✓ Hands-free.
Only for texting.
Either handheld or hands-free.

When phone use while driving is permitted in New Zealand, drivers must generally use a hands-free system rather than holding the phone.

Hands-free phone use inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does a green traffic light mean?

54. What does a green traffic light mean?

You must proceed as soon as the light turns green.
You may enter even if traffic is blocking the junction.
✓ You may proceed if it is safe.
You may turn in any direction without checking the signs.

A green light allows you to continue, but you must still watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Green traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep your windscreen clean?

55. Why should you keep your windscreen clean?

✓ To see the road clearly.
To make the headlights brighter.
To improve engine cooling.
To reduce fuel consumption.

A clean windscreen gives you a clear view of the road, signs, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

Cleaning a windscreen to improve the driver's view
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

56. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Engine-temperature warning.
Charging-system warning.
Oil-pressure warning.
Low washer fluid.

This symbol indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high. If it illuminates while driving, stop safely and allow the engine to cool before investigating the cause.

Engine-temperature warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

57. Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

Because vehicles ahead have priority in rain.
Because wet roads make the speedometer less accurate.
✓ Because braking distances are longer.
Because tyres need more space to warm up.

Water reduces grip between the tyres and the road, so it takes longer to slow down or stop safely.

Following distance between vehicles on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

58. Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

Loose loads give the vehicle priority when changing lanes.
The vehicle must stop whenever the load shifts.
✓ Objects may fall onto the road.
The vehicle must always travel at a lower speed.

A poorly secured load can fall or shift suddenly. Keep extra distance and avoid following too closely.

Vehicle carrying an unsecured load ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

59. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Rear window demister.
Air recirculation.
Automatic headlights.
✓ Windscreen wiper speed.

This symbol relates to the windscreen wipers. The control allows the driver to select an appropriate wiping mode or speed for the amount of rain and visibility conditions.

Windscreen-wiper control for adjusting wiping speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins rolling backward on a steep incline?

60. What should you do if your vehicle begins rolling backward on a steep incline?

✓ Apply the brake, secure the vehicle, and restart carefully.
Switch off the engine and restart immediately.
Open the door and step out.
Accelerate while continuing to roll backward.

Stop the vehicle under control, apply the parking brake if necessary, and prepare to move away again safely.

Vehicle rolling backwards on a steep incline
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

61. What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

✓ Match your speed, check around you, and merge into a safe gap.
Enter at a low speed and let motorway traffic adjust.
Stop at the end of the entry lane and wait for a large gap.
Force your way into the nearest gap.

Use the entry lane to build a suitable speed, check carefully, signal, and merge only when it is safe.

Vehicle joining a motorway from an entry lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

62. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Automatic start-stop system.
Engine-management warning.
Anti-theft system.
Cruise control.

This symbol relates to the automatic start-stop system, which can switch the engine off temporarily while the vehicle is stationary and restart it when driving resumes. The exact colour and appearance may vary between vehicles.

Automatic start-stop system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may drive through an amber light without slowing down.

63. You may drive through an amber light without slowing down.

✓ False.
True.

An amber light means you should stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, continue through the junction with caution.

Vehicle approaching an amber traffic light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

64. What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

✓ Check all around, signal, and enter only when there is a safe gap.
Enter the lane slowly so other traffic has time to react.
Pull out as soon as there is enough space for your vehicle.
Signal and expect approaching traffic to slow down.

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and build up speed safely without causing approaching traffic to brake suddenly.

Vehicle preparing to rejoin traffic after a breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if spray from other vehicles makes it hard to see?

65. What should you do if spray from other vehicles makes it hard to see?

Use main beam so the spray is easier to see through.
Speed up to move out of the spray more quickly.
✓ Slow down and increase following distance.
Change lanes immediately to find a clearer view.

Spray can seriously reduce visibility. Slowing down and increasing your distance gives you more time and a clearer view.

Road spray from a vehicle ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

66. Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

To reduce wear on the engine.
To reduce fuel consumption.
✓ To help keep the vehicle stable.
To increase the available luggage space.

A high or uneven load can make the vehicle unstable, especially during braking, cornering, or sudden steering.

Heavy luggage positioned low in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

67. What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

Move closer to the centre so the other driver notices you.
Accelerate to pass the danger point more quickly.
Brake sharply as soon as the vehicle enters your lane.
✓ Slow down and move slightly aside if safe.

If an oncoming vehicle creates danger while overtaking, reduce speed and make space if it is safe to do so. Avoid sudden movements that could create an additional hazard.

Oncoming vehicle overtaking into the driver's lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a long journey?

68. What should you check before starting a long journey?

Only the lights if you plan to drive at night.
Only the dashboard warning lights.
Nothing if the vehicle was recently serviced.
✓ Tyres, lights, fluids, windows, mirrors, and essential equipment.

A brief vehicle check can reveal tyre damage, low fluid levels, faulty lights, or visibility problems before they cause danger. Also confirm that any spare wheel or tyre-repair equipment is available and usable.

Vehicle safety checks before a long journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

69. How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

✓ Securely on the passenger seat with both feet on the footrests.
Sideways so they can get off more easily.
With one foot hanging down when travelling slowly.
Standing on the footrests when the road is uneven.

A motorcycle passenger should sit securely on the designated passenger seat, keep both feet on the footrests and avoid sudden movements that could affect the motorcycle's balance and stability.

Passenger seated on a motorcycle with feet on the footrests
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

70. Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

They prevent the windscreen from misting.
They only need to work when you drive at night.
They make the vehicle use less fuel.
✓ They help you see, be seen, and communicate your intentions.

Dirty or faulty lights reduce visibility and make it harder for other road users to understand when you are braking, turning, reversing, or changing position.

Checking and cleaning a vehicle's exterior lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

71. Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

The hazard warning switch.
✓ The lighting control.
The rear-window demister.
The windscreen-wiper control.

The lighting control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a rotary switch or part of a lighting stalk.

Lighting control for switching on dipped headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

72. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

The parking brake is applied.
The airbag system has a fault.
✓ A door is open.
The anti-theft system is active.

This symbol indicates that one or more vehicle doors are not fully closed. Check that all doors are securely shut before driving.

Door-open warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

73. What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

Check only the lane nearest to you.
Cross immediately once the driver waves you through.
✓ Check that all lanes are safe before crossing.
Watch the stopped driver instead of the other traffic.

One driver may stop, but other vehicles may still be moving. Always check all lanes before crossing.

Driver waving a pedestrian across the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving near animals?

74. What should you do when driving near animals?

Sound your horn to make them move away.
✓ Slow down and be ready to stop.
Flash your headlights repeatedly to warn them.
Move closer so you can pass before they react.

Animals can move unpredictably. Slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to stop safely.

Animals near moving road traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should signal before turning or changing lanes.

75. You should signal before turning or changing lanes.

False.
✓ True.

A clear signal helps other road users understand your intentions, but you must still check that the manoeuvre can be made safely.

Vehicle signalling before a turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if passengers are distracting you while driving?

76. What should you do if passengers are distracting you while driving?

Drive faster so you can finish the journey sooner.
Continue the conversation while watching the road.
Ignore the traffic until the distraction has passed.
✓ Ask them to stop and keep your attention on the road.

Passengers can reduce a driver's attention and concentration. If their behaviour becomes distracting, ask them to stop and keep your focus on driving. If necessary, stop somewhere safe before dealing with the situation.

Passengers distracting a driver
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is adequate tyre tread important?

77. Why is adequate tyre tread important?

It increases the amount of power from the engine.
✓ It helps maintain grip and move water away from the tyre.
It keeps the tyres from becoming warm while driving.
It makes wheel alignment unnecessary.

Tyre tread helps the vehicle grip the road and disperse water. Worn tread increases the risk of skidding and aquaplaning, especially in wet conditions.

Tread grooves on a vehicle tyre
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for riding a moped in New Zealand?

78. What is the minimum age for riding a moped in New Zealand?

✓ 16 years.
18 years.
15 years.
14 years.

The minimum age for riding a moped in New Zealand is generally 16 years.

Minimum age for riding a moped
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why are roads especially slippery during rain after a dry period?

79. Why are roads especially slippery during rain after a dry period?

✓ Oil, dust, and dirt mix with water on the road surface.
The first rain makes the road surface softer.
Cold rain quickly reduces the tyre pressure.
Rain temporarily reduces the weight of the vehicle.

After a dry period, oil and dirt can build up on the road. The first rain mixes with them and can make the surface very slippery.

Rain falling on a road after dry weather
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the manual parking brake?

80. What is the purpose of the manual parking brake?

To disengage the clutch.
✓ To help keep the vehicle stationary when parked.
To select reverse gear.
To slow the vehicle during normal driving.

The manual parking brake helps keep the vehicle stationary when parked. It is normally applied by pulling up the handbrake lever and released before driving away.

Manual handbrake lever in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check shortly after securing a load?

81. What should you check shortly after securing a load?

Increase speed briefly to test the restraints.
Check the load only when you reach your destination.
Loosen the restraints slightly after the load has settled.
✓ Stop safely and check that the restraints are still tight.

Loads and straps may settle or loosen after the journey begins. Recheck them at a safe stopping place.

Rechecking straps securing a vehicle's load
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

82. What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

Turn up the radio to stay alert.
Drink coffee and continue without stopping.
✓ Stop in a safe place and take a break.
Open a window and continue driving.

Driving while tired reduces concentration and reaction time. Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing.

Tired driver taking a break from a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

83. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
Parking brake.
Fuel-filler flap release.
✓ Bonnet release.

This control releases the bonnet so that it can be opened. A secondary safety catch under the bonnet normally has to be released before it can be fully raised.

Bonnet-release control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the bonnet suddenly opens while you are driving?

84. What should you do if the bonnet suddenly opens while you are driving?

✓ Look through any available gap, slow down smoothly, and stop safely.
Continue driving by looking through the side window.
Turn sharply toward the side of the road.
Brake hard immediately, even if traffic is behind you.

The bonnet may completely obstruct your view. Avoid sudden movements, use the road markings or available gap to maintain direction, and stop safely.

Raised bonnet obstructing the driver's forward view
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before crossing the road?

85. What should you do before crossing the road?

Listen for vehicles instead of looking.
Cross if the nearest vehicle is slowing down.
Follow another pedestrian without checking yourself.
✓ Look for traffic in all directions.

Always check for approaching traffic from every direction before crossing.

Pedestrian checking for traffic before crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

86. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Automatic brake hold.
✓ Electronic parking brake.
Cruise control.
Brake-system warning.

This control operates the electronic parking brake. Pulling or pressing the switch applies or releases the parking brake, depending on the vehicle.

Electronic parking-brake switch and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid selecting N while driving downhill in an automatic vehicle?

87. Why should you avoid selecting N while driving downhill in an automatic vehicle?

✓ It reduces engine braking and vehicle control.
It automatically selects a lower gear.
It applies the parking brake.
It increases engine braking.

Selecting N (Neutral) while driving downhill disconnects the engine from the driven wheels, reducing engine braking. Keep an appropriate drive or gear selected so you can maintain better control of the vehicle.

Neutral selection and downhill coasting in an automatic vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in New Zealand?

88. What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in New Zealand?

PARE.
ALTO.
DUR.
✓ STOP.

In New Zealand, STOP signs commonly display the word STOP.

Different wording used on stop signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

89. What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

The transmission to select Drive.
✓ Electrical accessories to be used without starting the engine.
The parking brake to release.
The starter motor to turn the engine.

The ACC (accessory) position normally supplies power to certain electrical accessories, such as the audio system, without starting the engine. The exact functions available can vary between vehicles.

ACC accessory position on an ignition switch
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a bicycle helmet fit?

90. How should a bicycle helmet fit?

Tilted back to keep your forehead clear.
Tight enough to feel uncomfortable.
✓ Level, secure, and comfortably fitted.
Loose enough to move slightly on your head.

A helmet should sit level on the head and remain securely in place so it can provide effective protection.

Bicycle helmet positioned securely on the rider's head
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it dangerous to cross between parked cars?

91. Why is it dangerous to cross between parked cars?

Parked cars make the crossing distance longer.
✓ Drivers may not see you or expect you to cross.
Pedestrians lose priority when crossing between cars.
You cannot hear approaching traffic between cars.

Parked vehicles can block the view between pedestrians and drivers. This makes it harder to see approaching traffic and harder for drivers to see you.

Pedestrian crossing between parked cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before beginning a journey in severe winter weather?

92. What should you check before beginning a journey in severe winter weather?

Nothing extra if the vehicle has winter tyres.
Check whether other vehicles are using the roads.
✓ The weather, road conditions, tyres, fuel or charge, and emergency supplies.
Only whether you have enough fuel or charge.

Check whether the journey is necessary and prepare for delays or changing conditions. Suitable tyres, sufficient fuel or charge, warm clothing, and basic emergency supplies may be important.

Preparing a vehicle for a winter journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do before changing gear in a manual vehicle?

93. What should you normally do before changing gear in a manual vehicle?

Apply the parking brake.
Press the accelerator pedal fully.
Switch off the engine.
✓ Press the clutch pedal fully.

Pressing the clutch pedal disconnects the engine from the transmission so that another gear can be selected. After changing gear, the clutch should be released smoothly.

Clutch operation when changing gear in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position is used for normal forward driving?

94. Which selector position is used for normal forward driving?

P (Park).
R (Reverse).
✓ D (Drive).
N (Neutral).

Select D (Drive) for normal forward driving in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The transmission then selects the appropriate gear automatically.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should the legal alcohol limit be treated as a safe target?

95. Should the legal alcohol limit be treated as a safe target?

Yes, if you know exactly how much you have drunk.
✓ No, impairment can begin before the legal limit is reached.
Yes, because impairment begins only above the limit.
Yes, when driving only a short distance.

A legal limit is an enforcement threshold, not a recommended drinking level. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving performance.

Alcohol consumption and the limits of safe driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

96. Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

Whichever vehicle reaches the merge point first.
✓ Traffic already travelling on the motorway.
The vehicle closest to the end of the entry lane.
Traffic entering from the entry lane.

You must adjust your speed and find a safe gap without forcing motorway traffic to brake or change direction.

Vehicle entering beside traffic already on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

97. What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.
Wait for another driver to enter first, then follow.
Treat the junction as if you have priority.
✓ Proceed carefully and follow signs or priority rules.

If traffic lights are not working, slow down, observe carefully, and follow signs, road markings, or local priority rules.

Junction with traffic lights out of operation
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

98. Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

To make the steering feel lighter.
✓ To keep control of the vehicle.
To make the bend easier to see from a distance.
To prevent other vehicles from overtaking.

Sharp bends reduce your view and can make the vehicle harder to control, so you should slow down before entering the bend.

Vehicle approaching a sharp bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can unnecessary weight affect a vehicle's energy use?

99. How can unnecessary weight affect a vehicle's energy use?

It reduces aerodynamic drag.
It makes the vehicle easier to accelerate.
It improves braking efficiency.
✓ It can increase the energy needed to move the vehicle.

Extra weight generally requires more energy when accelerating and climbing. Removing unnecessary heavy items can help reduce fuel or energy consumption while keeping all essential equipment in the vehicle.

Extra luggage adding weight to a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre-pressure warning appears and handling changes?

100. What should you do if a tyre-pressure warning appears and handling changes?

✓ Reduce speed and stop safely to check the tyres.
Brake firmly to test whether the tyre still has grip.
Release air from the other tyres to balance the pressure.
Continue until the warning light goes out by itself.

A pressure loss or damaged tyre can affect steering and braking. If the tyre-pressure warning appears together with a change in handling, it may indicate a serious tyre problem. Stop safely and inspect the tyres before continuing.

Tyre-pressure warning and a tyre inspection
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA